The work involves responsibility for a broad spectrum of exotic animal care for a homogeneous section of the Rosamond Gifford Zoo of the Onondaga County Department of Parks and Recreation. This responsibility includes but is not limited to diet, medication, animal training and breeding. An employee in this class exercises direct supervision over a number of subordinate staff as well as volunteers engaged in care, handling, treatment and feeding of zoo animals. General supervision is received from the Director of Natural Resource Facilities and Services. The Curator of Animals classification is distinguished by the exercise of independent judgment in carrying out responsibilities for their assigned areas and by their participation in the management of the zoo. Does related work as required.

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES

Participates in the care, handling, medical treatment and feeding of zoo animals.

Supervises subordinate staff engaged in all aspects of zoo animal husbandry, and to the extent necessary, supervises maintenance staff engaged in buildings and grounds maintenance and repair.

Conducts and participates in the public programs of the zoo, attends professional seminars to enhance knowledge of zoo activities and participates in exhibit design work for the zoo.

Facilitates zoological research and participates in the development of the animal collection.

Participates in zoo management by establishing animal management plans and by reviewing animal inventory to locate and accession zoo specimens.

Good knowledge of care, handling, treatment, training and feeding of animals in in a zoological setting.

Good knowledge of behavior, characteristics, housing, diseases, injuries and pests of zoo animals.

Good knowledge of current animal training philosophies.

Good knowledge of the principles and practices of zoology and animal husbandry.

Good knowledge of the principles and practices of supervision.

Good problem solving and communication skills.

Proficiency in developing animal demonstrations.

Ability to supervise subordinate employees.

Physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Open Competitive:

A. Graduation from a college or university with a baccalaureate degree including or supplemented by successful completion of thirty (30) semester credit hours in physical, biological or behavioral sciences and two (2) years of professional level experience, or its part time equivalent, in the care of captive wild animals in a zoo or wild life park; or,

B. Six (6) years of paraprofessional or professional level work experience, or its part time equivalent, in the care of captive wild animals in a zoo or wild life park, two (2) years of which must have been professional level experience; or,

C. An equivalent combination of training and experience as defined by the limits of (A) and (B).

Interested parties should submit a cover letter, resume and two professional references to: